Tag: Free to play »

As mentioned earlier this week, free-to-play turn-based MOBA Aerena: Clash of Champions has a new premium priced version called Aerena - Masters Edition. This new edition eschews its former F2P model in favor of asking players to pay upfront for an experience that's ad-free and eliminates the grind. Since I reviewed Aerena when it first came out and noted the game's somewhat slow progression, I decided to take a look at Masters Edition to see how well it delivers on its promises.

As it turns out, I found myself able to purchase unlocks including new units, ships, and shells all within playing a couple matches, which is a big difference from Clash of Champions. It seems as though Masters Edition is more generous with its in-game currency in general, making progression feel a lot smoother. In doing so, playing it felt more like a game about crafting a loadout that fits a particular playstyle rather than a game about slapping together whatever units and items are the most affordable.

It is worth noting that with this re-release players can still opt to play Aerena in its free-to-play form, and both versions of the game allow players to play against one another. Also worth noting is the fact that the free-to-play version offers time-limited trials of new units, whereas the paid version does not. This isn't really a big deal though, since it is easy enough to unlock units in Masters Edition anyway.

Overall, those that were frustrated by the progression mechanics of Aerena: Clash of Champions in its original form should be pleased with the changes that Aerena - Masters Edition has made. That being said, anyone that wasn't initially compelled by it won't be won over by this new version.

A series of updates have arrived for Rovio games over the past few days, honoring the Chinese New Year.

Angry Birds Epic and Rovio Stars title Jolly Jam have events paying homage to the Year of the Goat, while Angry Birds Go! and Angry Birds Stella are following the goat theme by adding in a new kart and a new set of levels in the Island Map, respectively. Plunder Pirates is avoiding the goat theme but instead honors the celebrations by decorating the island and adding in a new character, Ching Shih.

All of the previously mentioned games are available to download from the App Store now, for free.

Imangi Studios and Bruce Lee, LLC (they own the image rights for the martial arts legend), have announced that the late film star will make an appearance in the popular endless runner Temple Run 2. Players will be able to control the creator of Jeet Kune Do as they escape from the Demon Monkey, all the while receiving encouragement via inspiring quotes when they need it most.

Shannon Lee, daughter of Bruce Lee and CEO of Bruce Lee, LLC, had this to say on her father's introduction to the game:

I’m very excited to have my father become part of the Temple Run family. It’s apropos the character will launch in 2015, which just happens to be his 75th birthday year! Not only is this a great and fun way to celebrate my father’s birthday, but I’m grateful that my father’s legacy will continue to live on for fans of all ages via our partnership with Imangi.

Temple Run 2 is available to download from the App Store now for free.

The game now features seven new collections, which contain over fifty new pieces of special loot, seven new suits, five new ships and more than a dozen new missions to complete. New locations have also been added, with Easter Eggs and secrets hidden within. Feature-wise, players will now find that they have the ability to sell their completed collections for coins, with collections now available to be ranked up.